PS: Love ya guts Spesh. Miss ya heaps and we gotta catch up when I get back. Have a sneaker comparison dance off or some shit xxx
Friday, October 9, 2009
J-Dizzle has a blizzle
My boy J.D. writes stuff. Go and show him some love. Click here.PS: Love ya guts Spesh. Miss ya heaps and we gotta catch up when I get back. Have a sneaker comparison dance off or some shit xxx
PS: Love ya guts Spesh. Miss ya heaps and we gotta catch up when I get back. Have a sneaker comparison dance off or some shit xxx
Osaka: Raining one day, typhoon the next
We left Kyoto and headed for Osaka on the bullet train.
On the way my poor bag broke. The entire wheel ripped off (but the wheel was fully intact). In the end it was lucky we saved the wheel (so I could DYI it back together).
Josh saved the day and carried my bag through at least 3 stations and 2 train changes. The Man Mountain is a genuine legend (thank god he was a bit tipsy)!
When we finally arrived at the station near our hotel, we discovered the weather had turned quite nasty - a typhoon in fact. Having never experienced a typhoon before, we discovered this means really windy rain. 
It's sort of funny because one minute the rain is belting down in every direction and you're soaked, then the next thing you know the wind is blowing so hard your dry again. Luckily our hotel was right next to the train station.
We were planning to travel to Hiroshima the next day, but the weather was really wild so we decided to cancel in case. We were all pretty exhausted from a long day, so we got some food and hit the Zzzzz...
On the way my poor bag broke. The entire wheel ripped off (but the wheel was fully intact). In the end it was lucky we saved the wheel (so I could DYI it back together).
Josh saved the day and carried my bag through at least 3 stations and 2 train changes. The Man Mountain is a genuine legend (thank god he was a bit tipsy)!
When we finally arrived at the station near our hotel, we discovered the weather had turned quite nasty - a typhoon in fact. Having never experienced a typhoon before, we discovered this means really windy rain. 
It's sort of funny because one minute the rain is belting down in every direction and you're soaked, then the next thing you know the wind is blowing so hard your dry again. Luckily our hotel was right next to the train station.
We were planning to travel to Hiroshima the next day, but the weather was really wild so we decided to cancel in case. We were all pretty exhausted from a long day, so we got some food and hit the Zzzzz...
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Kyoto: Memoirs of 2 Geishas
On our second day in Kyoto, Ki Ki and I decided we'd like to experience what it's like to be a Geisha firsthand. We booked a Maiko (which literally means apprentice Geisha) makeover at Yumkoudou, which is essentially a place where you are dressed as a Maiko in full make up and kimono, and then you have photos taken.
With the help of the concierge at our hotel, we booked an appointment. Yumekoudou is located in the Gion district (the Geisha area - think 'Memoirs of a Geisha'), and our concierge gave us loose directions on how to find the shop (Japan can be like that - unless you have someone who knows where something is located exactly, you generally get pointed in the right direction, and then you have to wander around for a while looking for a sign). So off we went, not really knowing where we were going or what might happen.
We wandered around, asking a few locals the location - and everyone kept pointing us towards the same direction. Eventually we found the street we thought it was on, but we could see a sign or anything remotely related, aside from a Geisha shoe shop where the old man who worked there had no idea. Eventually a young chap in a cafe literally lead us by the hand to the street behind the one we were on, where we found the sign for Yumekoudou.
Inside the traditional street frontage, we found ourselves in a traditional paper and wood walls. We rang the door bell, and were ushered inside, and son discovered no one spoke English (from then on we knew this was going to be a fun day!). After a lot of gesturing and a conversation in broken English over the phone, we were ready for our Maiko experience. Here's our before photos:
First, we were asked to use the bathroom. We soon found out this was because once you're wrapped up in a kimono, there's really no easy way out if you need to pee (which made me wonder how the heck someone can stay dressed like that all day long!).
Next, we were shown into a change room where we were given white wrap dresses and sock-shoes with separated toes to wear during the makeover. We were asked to take off all our jewelry - but Ki Ki's piercings couldn't come out! They said that was OK though. And they were quite taken with my tattoos which were mostly covered by the kimono in the end.
Then we were taken upstairs to the dressing room. We were asked to choose a kimono - they had so many colours! Ki Ki chose her fav - purple - and I chose a colourful blue one. They carefully laid the kimonos out ready to dress us after our makeup was done.
We were seated in front of mirrors where makeup was applied. A sock was placed over our heads to keep our hair back. Layers of white and pink cake makeup were applied to our faces and and low onto our necks. Then read eye shadow, black eyeliner and mascara was applied to our eyes. And finally, red paint was applied to our lips. We looked whiter than Casper at this point.
Then we went back to the dressing area. Kimonos are made of several different pieces that layer over the top of each other. Different layers of kimono were draped and fastened with fabric ropes over each of us. Ki Ki looked lovely, but I instantly looked like fat Geisha - mostly because big boobs do not equal svelt Geisha figure.
The last part of the transformation was a headpiece. The headpieces they use are the complete package - hair & accessories.
Finally we were ready to have our photos taken. With the full get up, it was hard to recognise myself at all! 
We were taken into the photographic studio, where they had various sets that were dressed in traditional Japanese style. Ki Ki went first. I think she looked so beautiful, like a real Geisha.
I, on the other hand, was not only fat Geisha - I was round eye Geisha. My big blue peepers really don't help the overall look!
After our photos, we mucked around and took silly photos while we waited to be undressed. We played Geisha monsters and dropped a bunch of scissors and peace outs!
It was amazing to experience how complicated Maiko dressing is. All the layers are so heavy, it would be so difficult to dress like that everyday. But the end result is so beautiful - all the amazing fabrics and colours. And I suppose once upon a time Geishas had a sort of celebrity status - I have to admit it was quite glamorous to have someone dress and make you up that way. I wish I had someone to dress me everyday!
Undressing and cleaning off the makeup takes quite a bit off effort. Once all the layers were off, we both looked like lunatics who'd escaped the asylum. Of course this gave us perfect photo opportunities!
The whole experience reminded me how much fun it is to dress up. It was an amazing experience and the photos we have as a memento are really special. Go Kim Chi power!
With the help of the concierge at our hotel, we booked an appointment. Yumekoudou is located in the Gion district (the Geisha area - think 'Memoirs of a Geisha'), and our concierge gave us loose directions on how to find the shop (Japan can be like that - unless you have someone who knows where something is located exactly, you generally get pointed in the right direction, and then you have to wander around for a while looking for a sign). So off we went, not really knowing where we were going or what might happen.
We wandered around, asking a few locals the location - and everyone kept pointing us towards the same direction. Eventually we found the street we thought it was on, but we could see a sign or anything remotely related, aside from a Geisha shoe shop where the old man who worked there had no idea. Eventually a young chap in a cafe literally lead us by the hand to the street behind the one we were on, where we found the sign for Yumekoudou.
Inside the traditional street frontage, we found ourselves in a traditional paper and wood walls. We rang the door bell, and were ushered inside, and son discovered no one spoke English (from then on we knew this was going to be a fun day!). After a lot of gesturing and a conversation in broken English over the phone, we were ready for our Maiko experience. Here's our before photos:
First, we were asked to use the bathroom. We soon found out this was because once you're wrapped up in a kimono, there's really no easy way out if you need to pee (which made me wonder how the heck someone can stay dressed like that all day long!).Next, we were shown into a change room where we were given white wrap dresses and sock-shoes with separated toes to wear during the makeover. We were asked to take off all our jewelry - but Ki Ki's piercings couldn't come out! They said that was OK though. And they were quite taken with my tattoos which were mostly covered by the kimono in the end.
Then we were taken upstairs to the dressing room. We were asked to choose a kimono - they had so many colours! Ki Ki chose her fav - purple - and I chose a colourful blue one. They carefully laid the kimonos out ready to dress us after our makeup was done.
We were seated in front of mirrors where makeup was applied. A sock was placed over our heads to keep our hair back. Layers of white and pink cake makeup were applied to our faces and and low onto our necks. Then read eye shadow, black eyeliner and mascara was applied to our eyes. And finally, red paint was applied to our lips. We looked whiter than Casper at this point.
Then we went back to the dressing area. Kimonos are made of several different pieces that layer over the top of each other. Different layers of kimono were draped and fastened with fabric ropes over each of us. Ki Ki looked lovely, but I instantly looked like fat Geisha - mostly because big boobs do not equal svelt Geisha figure.The last part of the transformation was a headpiece. The headpieces they use are the complete package - hair & accessories.
Finally we were ready to have our photos taken. With the full get up, it was hard to recognise myself at all! 
We were taken into the photographic studio, where they had various sets that were dressed in traditional Japanese style. Ki Ki went first. I think she looked so beautiful, like a real Geisha.
I, on the other hand, was not only fat Geisha - I was round eye Geisha. My big blue peepers really don't help the overall look!
After our photos, we mucked around and took silly photos while we waited to be undressed. We played Geisha monsters and dropped a bunch of scissors and peace outs!
It was amazing to experience how complicated Maiko dressing is. All the layers are so heavy, it would be so difficult to dress like that everyday. But the end result is so beautiful - all the amazing fabrics and colours. And I suppose once upon a time Geishas had a sort of celebrity status - I have to admit it was quite glamorous to have someone dress and make you up that way. I wish I had someone to dress me everyday!
Undressing and cleaning off the makeup takes quite a bit off effort. Once all the layers were off, we both looked like lunatics who'd escaped the asylum. Of course this gave us perfect photo opportunities!
The whole experience reminded me how much fun it is to dress up. It was an amazing experience and the photos we have as a memento are really special. Go Kim Chi power!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Kyoto: Let's get cultural
As they say, when in Rome (or Kyoto as it might be), you gotta get down with the local culture. Here in Kyoto is first time in my entire trip that I've really gone out looking for cultural sites.
Last night, defying jet lag, we went for a walk to the edge of the Gion district and then out for dinner to a rather expensive and underwhelming traditional style restaurant in Kyoto (it did have a pretty view of Gion though). But they put Poh's presentation to shame:
Then today (after a slow start which included Josh and I snoozing an hour through the alarm to be woken up by Ki Ki banging on our door) we decided to hire bikes and ride around Kyoto. This turned to be a fantastic idea:
We rode to the Imperial Palace - unfortunately we couldn't go inside because we didn't have permits (you need to pre-arrange a permit if you want to visit) but the outside was very impressive:
We found shrines:
Ate even more at a secret spot Tadaaki told me about:
I got cosy with a big boy:
Ki Ki found her ultimate ride - a purple taxi:
We visited Kinkakuji - the golden temple:
We found more shrines:
Sexy Grimace went to McDonalds:
We found Hatori Hanzo's shop:
Then we dropped the bikes off, and the had some bevvies at the hotel:
...While I had some snooze time. I'm still so jet lagged. Wahhhh.
Last night, defying jet lag, we went for a walk to the edge of the Gion district and then out for dinner to a rather expensive and underwhelming traditional style restaurant in Kyoto (it did have a pretty view of Gion though). But they put Poh's presentation to shame:
Then today (after a slow start which included Josh and I snoozing an hour through the alarm to be woken up by Ki Ki banging on our door) we decided to hire bikes and ride around Kyoto. This turned to be a fantastic idea:
We rode to the Imperial Palace - unfortunately we couldn't go inside because we didn't have permits (you need to pre-arrange a permit if you want to visit) but the outside was very impressive:
We found shrines:
Ate even more at a secret spot Tadaaki told me about:
I got cosy with a big boy:
Ki Ki found her ultimate ride - a purple taxi:
We visited Kinkakuji - the golden temple:
We found more shrines:
Sexy Grimace went to McDonalds:
We found Hatori Hanzo's shop:
Then we dropped the bikes off, and the had some bevvies at the hotel:
...While I had some snooze time. I'm still so jet lagged. Wahhhh.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Kyoto: Jetlag is a bitch
I have a mean case of jet lag. I'm in Kyoto, it's 4.36am, Josh is snoring his head off and I'm trying to think of ways I can punish him. Maybe I can make a video of him when he's snoring to loudest and post it to Facebook. But that's hardly retribution for me spending 3 more nights sleeping in the same room as a sledge hammer...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
London: Back in the U.K.
After a few minor adjustments to my travel plans, I left Barcelona on Thursday. A big thank you to Ron and Tadaaki for being such amazing hosts in Barcelona. I enjoyed staying with you so much. The apartment is amazing and Comerç 27 is easily the best restaurant in Barca!
I was meant to be visiting Madrid before I went go to Tokyo (with a 5 hour stop over in London on the way). But 5 hours just wasn't going to be enough to pick up my new preciouses. And by preciouses, I mean my very own custom Premium Nike ID Dunks and a pair of Dizzee Rascal x Ben Drury x Air Max 90s. So I blew off Madrid and came back to London for 3 nights. Which as it turns out, was an awesome idea!
Big thanks to my friend Phil who was kind enough to let me stay at his lovely apartment for the 3 nights. Much love! xxx When I arrived in London, and I found Phil's place with the help of Paddy (Phil's friend). Thanks Paddy!
After I settled in, I found a great curry place and tucked in to some Indian delights in front of the TV. After toying with the idea of staying in for about an hour, I decided I better make the most of it and took myself to Ministry of Sound to see Bok Bok & Manara play. After 40 minutes on the Tube, I arrived at Ministry of Sound only to find out that the event was a freshman party and was completely sold out. So no Bok Bok & Manara for me. Again. I'm not have much luck with these two - I think it means they need to come to Oz and play especially for me (hint hint). But I still love yous.
By then the Tube had closed, so I had to get a minicab home. Some how I convinced a driver to take me home for 20 quid (it's pretty far!). Still I wasn't happy about having to pay for a cab after a bit of a bomb of a night.
Friday turned out to be an amazing day. I organised to meet my girl Racer Stacey for so drinks and nibbles in the evening, but during the day I had quite a few errands to do, including picking up my Premium Nike ID dunks. So I caught the Tube into the city and went to Carnaby Street and all the High Street stores. To be honest I didn't find anything I really wanted, but ate lunch at Ping Pong (seafood lunch - so yum!)
And then I went to Niketown. My IDs are beautiful.To be honest I really wasn't sure how they'd turn out, but I really like the fabrics I chose.
Q had organised a pair of Dizzee Rascal x Ben Drury x Air Max 90s to be put away for me at 1948, but I hadn't been able to get in contact with him to find out how to collect them. Thankfully, Q was at Niketown when I got there, and he rang the guys at 1948 to double check they still had one last pair (they're completely sold out everywhere). And they were. So I just had to get myself to Shoreditch to pick them up. A quick trip on the Tube to Liverpool St and before I knew it, I was out the front of 1948. I was worried the Tongue N Cheeks would be really pink - because most photos of them make them look pink or even salmon. But I was surprised at how beautiful they are in the flesh - more of a grey than a pink. They have a suede lining and are very plus compared with most AM90s. I'm really chuffed with them.
On the way back to meet Stacey at Covent Gardens, I happened to walk past a fabulous furniture design studio I've written about in my blog before - Squint Limited. Squint make amazing bespoke patchwork furniture pieces. Of course I knocked on their and asked if they'd give me a tour of their studio, which they did! Such a thrill & very inspiring - it got me really excited about the projects I'll be working on when I get home (which is only 2 weeks away!).
Then I jumped on the Tube back to Convent Gardens where I met Racer Stacey. She was looking as hot as ever, all dressed up in heels and work clothes. I felt like a hobbit beside Gisele. We went to a jazz bar nearby for jugs of sangrias. The club happens to be the spot that Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty got their big breaks. And apparently they still come to the joint from time to time (Wino has to sneak out her bedroom window to get there apparently - but not tonight!).
After 2 jugs of sangria and a lot of catching up and gossip, we were both pretty tipsy. When Racer started pegging fruit at peeps walking past (clearly I attract people who like to throw food), which signaled we should probably move to the next place. We wandered to Oxford Circus, laughing and lusting after Mad Mex all the way. And just like that, we stumbled across a mexican joint called Benito's Hat, which was actually pretty similar to Mad Mex. We inhaled some Burritos (but didn't get to throw them unfortunately) and stumbled back to Piccadilly Circus, agreeing that we should catch the Tube home because we both had 40 minute Tube rides to get there. This photo is heaps *sarcastic face* pretty.
It was great to see Racer. We had such a laugh :) Then somehow I caught the wrong Tube home and ended up near Heathrow after the last Tube. So I had to get a minicab, which really shit me to tears because they charged me an arm and a leg. But everything was made better by the awesome email I got from Sophie when I got home, letting me know that I am now the proud owner of a mint pair of 2007 Irak x Adidas Torsion. Thanks Sophie!
Getting the Iraks almost makes me feel satisfied to stop buying sneaks for a while. Almost. I have one, maybe two, pairs on my mind that I might be able to pick up in Tokyo. Firstly the Huarache x Air Max x Dave's Quality Meats bacons and secondly, although I'm not that interested in them aside from them being a collab, are the Reebok Freestyle x Hello Kitty (I have heard they're only available in Hong Kong at the moment - although it wouldn't be a surprise if I stumble across them in Tokyo).
What a segway...
Tomorrow I fly to Tokyo! It's hard to believe how time has flown. I've been away for 7 weeks already. And in about 24 hours, I get to see Ki Ki, Glenn and Josh (and soon after Ash and Laura too!) where we'll kick off our Japanoise adventure... So excited!
I was meant to be visiting Madrid before I went go to Tokyo (with a 5 hour stop over in London on the way). But 5 hours just wasn't going to be enough to pick up my new preciouses. And by preciouses, I mean my very own custom Premium Nike ID Dunks and a pair of Dizzee Rascal x Ben Drury x Air Max 90s. So I blew off Madrid and came back to London for 3 nights. Which as it turns out, was an awesome idea!
Big thanks to my friend Phil who was kind enough to let me stay at his lovely apartment for the 3 nights. Much love! xxx When I arrived in London, and I found Phil's place with the help of Paddy (Phil's friend). Thanks Paddy!
After I settled in, I found a great curry place and tucked in to some Indian delights in front of the TV. After toying with the idea of staying in for about an hour, I decided I better make the most of it and took myself to Ministry of Sound to see Bok Bok & Manara play. After 40 minutes on the Tube, I arrived at Ministry of Sound only to find out that the event was a freshman party and was completely sold out. So no Bok Bok & Manara for me. Again. I'm not have much luck with these two - I think it means they need to come to Oz and play especially for me (hint hint). But I still love yous.
Friday turned out to be an amazing day. I organised to meet my girl Racer Stacey for so drinks and nibbles in the evening, but during the day I had quite a few errands to do, including picking up my Premium Nike ID dunks. So I caught the Tube into the city and went to Carnaby Street and all the High Street stores. To be honest I didn't find anything I really wanted, but ate lunch at Ping Pong (seafood lunch - so yum!)
Getting the Iraks almost makes me feel satisfied to stop buying sneaks for a while. Almost. I have one, maybe two, pairs on my mind that I might be able to pick up in Tokyo. Firstly the Huarache x Air Max x Dave's Quality Meats bacons
What a segway...
Tomorrow I fly to Tokyo! It's hard to believe how time has flown. I've been away for 7 weeks already. And in about 24 hours, I get to see Ki Ki, Glenn and Josh (and soon after Ash and Laura too!) where we'll kick off our Japanoise adventure... So excited!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
TOPSHOP Sydney - Read the fine print ladies
Geebuz - some kind of contagious fever has swept through the majority of my female Facebook friends this morning -Topshop fever.
Yer, yer - this article starts out by making it sound all fabulous and shit. Like Topshop is opening a real store in Sydney. But pay attention ladies - it's Incu Presents Topshop. And it's going to be housed in the second floor of the Incu store on Oxford Street in Paddington.
Not that I don't dig Incu - I really do. And I've been a loyal Incu customer for many years. But... I don't know how many of you have been to the Incu store - because Oxford St Paddington is hardly Oxford Circus. 
What I'm getting at is the Incu store ain't that big, leading me to believe it'll be a shelf collection. Even the article states they'll be getting stock shipments once a month, as opposed to Oxford Circus which gets a shipment of new stock every day. And then it remains to be seen whether Incu can maintain their 'cool' stock and clientele whilst entering the world of High St fashion giants.
Tokyo has a similar, limited-stock Topshop in Galleries Lafayette. And it was probably the most disappointing shopping experience of my life (especially considering Galleries Lafayette is so fucking rad). I was expecting the entire line as shown on the Topshop website (especially because other High Street giants have such huge stores in Tokyo - H&M is monsterous) - but I'm afraid to report it wasn't anywhere near that. So I expect the Incu Presents Topshop to be the same, or worse.
So don't close your shopping basket window in your web browser just yet my pretties - you might still want to buy online.
Meanwhile, I'm off to London tomorrow and I'll be visiting the real Topshop Oxford Circus one last time before I come back to Oz!
Yer, yer - this article starts out by making it sound all fabulous and shit. Like Topshop is opening a real store in Sydney. But pay attention ladies - it's Incu Presents Topshop. And it's going to be housed in the second floor of the Incu store on Oxford Street in Paddington.
Not that I don't dig Incu - I really do. And I've been a loyal Incu customer for many years. But... I don't know how many of you have been to the Incu store - because Oxford St Paddington is hardly Oxford Circus. 
What I'm getting at is the Incu store ain't that big, leading me to believe it'll be a shelf collection. Even the article states they'll be getting stock shipments once a month, as opposed to Oxford Circus which gets a shipment of new stock every day. And then it remains to be seen whether Incu can maintain their 'cool' stock and clientele whilst entering the world of High St fashion giants.Tokyo has a similar, limited-stock Topshop in Galleries Lafayette. And it was probably the most disappointing shopping experience of my life (especially considering Galleries Lafayette is so fucking rad). I was expecting the entire line as shown on the Topshop website (especially because other High Street giants have such huge stores in Tokyo - H&M is monsterous) - but I'm afraid to report it wasn't anywhere near that. So I expect the Incu Presents Topshop to be the same, or worse.
So don't close your shopping basket window in your web browser just yet my pretties - you might still want to buy online.
Meanwhile, I'm off to London tomorrow and I'll be visiting the real Topshop Oxford Circus one last time before I come back to Oz!
Happy Birthday Davey Mac!
No more Dipset or TNs else this friendship is terminated, K Teazer? Happy Birthday. Thxbai.
Barcelona: A Hidden Gem...
Tonight I dined at Santa Maria, a little restaurant on my street here is Barca. It's the restaurant you go to when you can't afford/get a reservation at elBulli. Or at least that's the story I'm telling. Santa Maria is run by Paco Guzman, a former student of Ferran Adrià (of elBulli).
Santa Maria has quite a modern, Asian-fusion menu, with a little bit of molecular gastronomy thrown in to spice things up. I had 5 dishes including sweet potato chips as an entree, followed by a prawn and bacon salad, a pork and cheese dish (it was tasty, that's all I got for ya), lemongrass mussels and a dessert called Dracula (it didn't have a description on the menu - just the word Dracula. Of course I had to order it). Dracula looked a bit like this:
And although all the dishes were lovely, Dracula was the best. It uses the elBulli foam technique (you foodies probably know what that is - this one was a Coca-Cola foam). You eat it from the bottom up, mixing from each layer as you go. When you put it in your mouth, it explodes in your mouth like those exploding candies you got as a kid - except it tasted like a cross between cherry coke, fresh berries and fresh cream. Delicious!
For 26EUR I had 5 courses and 2 glasses of wine. Well worth a visit for cheap-ass wannabe foodies like myself! Seriously though - this is a hidden gem.
Santa Maria
Comerç, 17
08003 Barcelona
Ph: +34933151227
www.santamania.info
Santa Maria has quite a modern, Asian-fusion menu, with a little bit of molecular gastronomy thrown in to spice things up. I had 5 dishes including sweet potato chips as an entree, followed by a prawn and bacon salad, a pork and cheese dish (it was tasty, that's all I got for ya), lemongrass mussels and a dessert called Dracula (it didn't have a description on the menu - just the word Dracula. Of course I had to order it). Dracula looked a bit like this:
And although all the dishes were lovely, Dracula was the best. It uses the elBulli foam technique (you foodies probably know what that is - this one was a Coca-Cola foam). You eat it from the bottom up, mixing from each layer as you go. When you put it in your mouth, it explodes in your mouth like those exploding candies you got as a kid - except it tasted like a cross between cherry coke, fresh berries and fresh cream. Delicious!For 26EUR I had 5 courses and 2 glasses of wine. Well worth a visit for cheap-ass wannabe foodies like myself! Seriously though - this is a hidden gem.
Santa Maria
Comerç, 17
08003 Barcelona
Ph: +34933151227
www.santamania.info
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